Latest Innovations in Laser Technology

Imagine reading from a mile away. In this new study just reported in Physical Review Letters, researchers have demonstrated a novel optical system capable of resolving millimeter-scale text from a distance of 1.36 kilometers. This involves the projection of eight infrared laser beams onto the target surface. The diffusely reflected light is subsequently collected by a dual-telescope receiving system, enabling the reconstruction of the text with significantly enhanced resolution. This innovative approach effectively mitigates the deleterious effects of atmospheric turbulence and other optical aberrations typically encountered in long-range imaging. By correlating the signals registered by the two spatially separated telescopes, the system achieves an estimated 14-fold improvement in image resolution compared to a single-telescope configuration operating under similar conditions. The findings represent a significant advancement in remote sensing and high-resolution optical imaging technologies. Link to the article: https://lnkd.in/gu7Mr272

Quantum Leap: Noisy Lasers Transformed into Ultra-Stable Quantum Light Introduction: The Power–Precision Paradox in Lasers Lasers are indispensable in modern science and technology—from precision surgery and semiconductor manufacturing to advanced communication systems. However, boosting laser power typically comes at a cost: increased noise. These fluctuations in intensity degrade performance in applications where high stability and precision are critical. A new breakthrough by scientists at Cornell and MIT promises to change that. Key Breakthroughs and Findings Researchers have discovered a method to convert noisy, high-power laser beams into ultra-stable light that behaves according to quantum—rather than classical—rules. Their study, published in Nature Photonics, introduces a transformative approach using fiber optics and filtering techniques. • The Noise Problem: High-powered lasers naturally generate erratic fluctuations in their output, traditionally seen as a limiting factor for precise applications. • The Innovation: By passing noisy, amplified laser beams through specially designed optical fibers and filters, the researchers created a light beam with noise levels so low that they cannot be described using classical physics. • Quantum State of Light: According to lead researcher Nicholas Rivera of Cornell, the resulting beam exists in a “quantum state that has no classical analog,” effectively redefining what amplified laser light can achieve. • Beyond the Lab: Unlike prior quantum light, which typically required low-power, unamplified sources and lab-controlled environments, this technique enables quantum-grade light at high power levels, making it more practical for real-world use. Why This Matters: Broad Implications Across Technology This discovery could revolutionize a range of photonic technologies: • Quantum Computing & Communication: Stable quantum light sources are foundational for secure communication protocols and advanced computing systems. • Precision Metrology: Industries that rely on ultraprecise measurements—such as GPS, astronomy, and spectroscopy—could benefit from vastly improved accuracy. • Scalable Photonic Devices: The technique makes it easier to build high-power quantum photonic devices, accelerating the transition from lab research to commercial applications. By overcoming the fundamental trade-off between laser power and stability, this research paves the way for a new era of quantum-enhanced technologies—powerful, precise, and practical. Keith King https://lnkd.in/gHPvUttw

Some startups chase buzz. Others chase exits. But a rare few? They chase the atom and rewrite what’s possible with a laser. Laser Isotope Separation Technologies (LIS Technologies Inc.) just raised $11.93 million to do exactly that, led by returning investor Innovating Capital, and backed by some of the sharpest minds in #advancednuclear. This isn’t just another cap table victory lap. It’s a full-scale acceleration into the future of American #energy, #precisionmedicine, and #quantummanufacturing, with Oak Ridge once again stepping into its legacy as the nucleus of #nuclearinnovation. If you’ve never heard of CRISLA-3G, buckle in. It's not sci-fi. It's science dialed in with military precision. LIS Technologies' patented laser #isotopeseparation tech uses 5.3µm #CO₂lasers to excite specific uranium molecules like they're headlining a festival. One stage gets you LEU. Two gets you HALEU. Forget centrifuges and the energy gluttony of the Cold War, this system hits the same goals at half the energy cost, with a leaner capex footprint. Less spin. More win. The story started in 2014 when Christo Liebenberg, a laser optics OG with three decades of enrichment chops, called up the man who literally invented the CRISLA process, Dr. Jeff W. Eerkens, the “Father of Laser Enrichment.” What began as CRISLA, Inc. evolved into LIS Technologies in 2023. Today, it’s the only USA-origin laser #uraniumenrichment tech with patents stamped by the USPTO, infrastructure locked down by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and a secured Oak Ridge National Laboratory site currently being upgraded for classified operations. Add in recent wins like selection to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s $3.4 billion LEU Enrichment Acquisition Program and an AFWERX SBIR Advisors Inc. #PhaseI contract with the United States Department of the Air Force, and this isn't vaporware. It's verified. And now funded to the tune of $47M total across four rounds, including a 120% oversubscribed Series A. And this raise? Not about keeping lights on. It's about building a Test Demonstration Facility, developing next-gen lasers, and proving CRISLA can scale with the same surgical precision it delivers at the lab bench. It’s also about expanding into #medicalisotopes and #semiconductors, because when you control the enrichment process, you control more than just fuel. You power the next-gen reactors, you serve the 94 existing U.S. plants, and you build the bridge to commercial #quantumtech. #Startups #StartupFunding #VentureCapital #Quantum #Laser #LaserTech #Infrastructure #Technology #Innovation #TechEcosystem #StartupEcosystem If engineering peace of mind is what you crave, Vention is your zen.

Bullseye on stinging nettle! This is what high throughput laser weeding looks like immediately after treatment. The naive approach is to use a lot of energy to thermally burn weeds, reducing them to carbon residue. But notice there is very little charring present on this weed… Instead of inefficiently and slowly carbonizing weeds, our novel & non-obvious approach is to impart heat intensity AND light intensity to exploit the plant’s physiological stress response. The multi-modal action of the patent-pending L&Aser wreaks havoc on the photosynthesis machinery of weeds, cleverly reducing the dwell times and energy required for lasers to kill or supress weeds until the crop grows to occlude them from the sun. What does this mean practically for farmers? It means optionality. Farmers can still opt to carbonize weeds if they want them vanquished immediately, but farming is a business and process efficiency gives growers an edge over their competition (or in the case of overly regulated California, allows them to remain competitive with international growers). This is why we think farmers should opt to “dial down” their L&Aser dwell times based on whatever weed pressure they’re facing that day. Maximal photochemical stress without burning = highest throughput (pic related). We also think that our ultra-lightweight combined diode architecture gives farmers the option of getting into wet, mucky soils early when weeds are smaller and extremely short dwell times are effective. Alternatively, farmers can delay treatment until weeds are larger, potentially reducing the number of weeding passes required to cultivate their crop. We’ve invented a new tool for farmers - they can decide how to use it. #agtech #laserweeding #laserweeder #patentpending #process #efficiency #roi

"Scientists from the UK and South Korea have discovered a way to create laser pulses 1,000 times stronger than currently possible. Using computer simulations, they have discovered that a new way of compressing the light can drastically increase its intensity to such an extent that it can extract particles from a vacuum. This new technique could open up doors for important discoveries into the very nature of matter. Researchers from the University of Strathclyde, Ulsan National Institute of Science & Technology (UNIST), and Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) have proposed a simple idea to revolutionize the next generation of lasers. They suggest using the gradient in the density of plasma, which is fully ionized matter, to cause photons to bunch together. This is similar to the way a group of cars bunches up as they encounter a steep hill. If this technique is successful, it could increase the power of lasers by more than one million times from what is currently achievable." #lasers

China Builds World's First Laser-Powered Cargo Drone China has unveiled the world’s first cargo drone powered entirely by a ground-based laser beam. This revolutionary system allows the drone to fly indefinitely without carrying fuel or batteries—receiving all its energy through wireless laser transmission from the ground. Developed by a team at Northwestern Polytechnical University, this drone uses photovoltaic panels to capture the laser and convert it into usable flight energy. Not only does it stay airborne longer, but it also removes the need for heavy power sources, making it faster and more efficient. The breakthrough could reshape logistics, emergency rescue, and military operations by enabling continuous, real-time delivery without recharging or refueling. And since the laser adjusts to the drone’s movements, power transmission remains stable even in strong winds or complex flight paths. This technology is a major leap in wireless energy transfer and shows how China is pushing the boundaries of drone innovation and clean energy. #LaserTech #ChinaBreakthrough #DroneInnovation #FutureOfLogistics

Got to see my buddy Yash Sutariya laser drill in action! This was cutting out some pretty advanced shapes and blind via's on a flex circuit board they were running. Really hard to get as accurate results with a standard drill/router. The blue light you see is the actual laser cutting! You can see how fast the routes are made it's just amazing to me! He was telling me about the reasons they mainly use the laser for on their PCB's.  • Drill Extremely Small Holes (Microvias): Laser drills can create tiny holes called microvias, which are essential for high-density interconnect (HDI) PCBs. Mechanical drills have limitations on how small they can drill due to the physical size of the drill bits.  • Non-Contact Drilling: As a non-contact process, laser drilling reduces mechanical stress on the PCB material. This minimizes the risk of damage like delamination or cracking that can occur with mechanical drilling.  • High Precision and Accuracy: Lasers provide exceptional precision in both the placement and size of holes. This is crucial for complex PCB designs where exact tolerances are required.  • Ability to Drill Through Various Materials: Laser drills can easily penetrate a variety of materials used in PCBs, including hard-to-drill substrates like ceramics and composites that might wear down mechanical drill bits.  • Drilling Blind and Buried Vias: Laser drilling excels at creating blind and buried vias—holes that do not pass completely through the PCB. Mechanical drills struggle with these due to depth control limitations.  • Complex Hole Shapes: Lasers can produce intricate hole geometries and patterns that are not possible with standard drills, offering greater design flexibility for advanced electronic applications.  • Cleaner Hole Quality: Laser drilling produces holes with smooth walls and precise edges, improving the electrical performance and reliability of the PCB by ensuring better plating and soldering conditions. Sean Haggerty every time I turn around you guys are investing more and more and getting better equipment! Very cool to see a Michigan PCB shop thriving in this highly competitive now global market! #PCB #LaserDrilling #TechnologyInnovation

“The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not ‘Eureka!’ but ‘That’s funny…’” – Isaac Asimov Imagine turning light into something that flows like a fluid and holds the structure of a solid—all at once. Researchers in Italy, led by Daniele Sanvitto at CNR, have done just that, achieving a world-first by transforming light into a supersolid state. Using a laser and a cleverly engineered semiconductor, they’ve created polaritons—hybrid light-matter particles—that form a quantum state with both crystal-like order and frictionless flow. Check out the video below to see how this breakthrough builds on years of exploring light as a quantum fluid, pushing the boundaries of what we thought possible. From quantum computing to next-gen photonics, the potential is mind-blowing. What do you think this could mean for the future of technology? Let’s discuss! #QuantumPhysics #Innovation #ScienceBreakthrough #Photonics #QuantumComputing #Research #TechFuture